Northern Moon Snail (also known as Shark Eye)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Naticidae, Genus: Euspira, Species: Euspira heros · Naticidae (Moon snail family) · Gastropod, whole shell, globose or spiral shape
Species
Euspira heros (formerly Lunatia heros)
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, globose or spiral shape
Family
Naticidae (Moon snail family)
Size
The largest prominent specimens visible in the upper portion of the image range from approximately 2 to 4 inches in diameter, which is typical for adult specimens found in the mid-Atlantic region.
Color & Pattern
Smooth, glossy exterior featuring warm tan, brownish, and grey tones, sometimes showing darker brown bands near the suture. The surfaces of several specimens appear polished or slightly oiled by collectors, while others show natural chalky wear.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found primarily in shallow subtidal to intertidal zones down to deep waters, inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms where they burrow just beneath the sediment surface to hunt other mollusks.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, extending from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Labrador down along the North Carolina coast, commonly found on New Jersey beaches such as Wildwood.
Description
A classic globose marine snail shell characterized by a low, rounded spire, a smooth polished surface, and a large, semi-circular aperture without an operculum groove visible on the outer lip. The heavy, sturdy shell is built for burrowing through coastal sands.
Key Features
Globular shape with a low spire, smooth body whorl, polished finish, and a wide, open aperture lacking teeth or pronounced sculpture.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, but highly popular among casual beachcombers and local shell collectors along the Jersey Shore.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition. Several specimens show nice natural gloss and intact spires, though some minor beach wear and fading are present on others.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails are predatory carnivores that drill clean, countersunk holes into the shells of bivalves using an acidic secretion and their radula to feed on the soft tissue inside. Their egg masses are known as 'sand collars'—gelatinous matrices cemented with sand grains.
Ecological Role
Acts as a primary carnivorous predator on bivalve populations, helping to regulate benthic community structures, and provides empty shells that serve as critical secondary housing for hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Neverita duplicata (Shark Eye or Atlantic Moon Snail), which is typically flatter with a prominent callus filling the umbilicus.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along the wrack line on sandy beaches after a storm or during low tide. Spotting the protruding sand collars can indicate where living moon snails are active offshore.
Notes
wildwood new jersey